Rural patrols result in five drug arrests

Thursday, August 17, 2006

BENTON -- Two separate drug busts have led to the arrest of five local men on drug charges by the Scott County Sheriff's Department and SEMO Drug Task Force.

On Monday sheriff's deputies working in cooperation with SEMO Drug Task Force agents were checking suspected drug transaction areas in rural areas of Scott County when they stopped a vehicle that matched the description of a suspicious vehicle called in by the public, according to Sheriff Rick Walter.

In the vehicle was Thomas W. McRoy, 20, of Miner, who fled the scene on foot after a brief conversation with officers.

Officers captured the suspect and during the following investigation found 13.2 grams of methamphetamine.

McRoy is currently in the Scott County Jail charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $150,000.

On Tuesday the same officers were back in the same general area and saw a pickup truck parked on the side of a county road. When they approached the vehicle they observed drug paraphernalia on the dash.

Officers got the four occupants out of the truck and during an investigation found small quantities of cocaine and marijuana.

All four were charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Their bonds were set at $15,000 each.

Walter praised the deputies and drug agents for their work in these cases.

"This just shows that the drug problem goes on day to day and we have to be out watching and investigating at all times, day and night, to combat it. And cooperation between agencies is essential," he said. "Statistics show that drug and alcohol abuse are at the heart of a vast majority of other crimes which we encounter and getting these dealers and users off the street is a giant step toward controlling all crime in Scott County."